The Legal Approach to Problem Solving and Design Thinking

Created: 2023-11-12

Designers can learn a lot from the legal approach to problem-solving. Lawyers are trained to think critically and systematically, to identify and weigh all possible solutions, and to present their arguments in a clear and concise way. These skills are essential for designers who want to create innovative and user-centred solutions.

Here are some of the key principles of the legal approach to problem-solving that designers can learn from:

Identify the problem clearly and accurately (Identify the issues). This is the first step in any problem-solving process. Before you can start to come up with solutions, you need to have a deep understanding of the problem you are trying to solve. Identify the material facts and legal issues. This means asking questions, gathering information, and talking to the people who are affected by the problem.
Consider the rules. Identify the legal principles and laws. What is the source, and how valid is this? Consider the pros and cons.
Apply the rules to the case. Weigh the pros and cons of each solution and consider the potential impact on all stakeholders.
Present your arguments clearly and concisely. Once you have chosen a solution, you need to be able to present your arguments in a way that is clear, concise, and persuasive. This means explaining the problem, the solution, and the benefits of the solution in a way that is easy to understand.

Designers can use the legal approach to problem-solving to improve their design process in the following ways:

Start by understanding the user. Before you start designing anything, it is important to understand the needs and wants of the people who will be using your product or service. This means talking to users, observing them in their natural environment, and conducting research.
Generate a wide range of ideas. Don't be afraid to come up with new and innovative ideas. The best designs often come from unexpected places.
Evaluate your ideas carefully. Consider the pros and cons of each idea and consider the potential impact on users and other stakeholders.
Prototype and test your ideas. Once you have chosen an idea, it is important to prototype and test it with users. This will help you to identify any potential problems and make necessary adjustments.
Iterate and improve. Design is an iterative process. Once you have tested your prototype, you will need to make changes and improvements based on user feedback.

Reference and bibliography

Sra.org.uk. (2022). Developing an effective case theory. [online] Available at: https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/resources/advocacy/developing-effective-case-theory/ [Accessed 12 Nov. 2023].

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